Community Research · 2026

What does
staying home
really mean to you?

We're conducting independent research to better understand the real challenges families face when thinking about aging at home. There are no right answers — and nothing to buy. We just want to understand your experience.

This takes about 5 minutes. Your honest answers help shape how communities support people who want to stay in their homes as they age.

Who are you completing this survey as?

🔒 All responses are completely anonymous. No personal data is collected unless you choose to share it at the end. Your information will never be sold or shared.

Section 1 of 4 · Your Current Situation

Question 1

How long have you lived in your current home?

Less than 5 years

5–10 years

11–20 years

More than 20 years

Question 2

How would you describe the current layout of the home?

Single level — everything on one floor

Multi-level — primary bedroom upstairs

Multi-level — bedroom on main floor

Condo / apartment

Question 3

Approximately when was the home built?

Before 1960

1960–1980

1981–2000

2001–2015

2016 or newer

Not sure

Question 4

What is the plan for this home long term?

Stay as long as possible — aging in place is the goal

Likely stay 5–10 more years, then reassess

Considering downsizing in the next few years

Uncertain — depends on health and circumstances

Planning to relocate (e.g. warmer climate, closer to family)

Section 1 of 4

Section 2 of 4 · Concerns & Priorities

Question 5

What are the biggest concerns about aging in place?

Select all that apply

Safety — falls, bathroom hazards

Mobility — stairs, tight spaces

Isolation — being alone or far from family

Home maintenance burden

Cost of renovations or modifications

Health monitoring & emergencies

Knowing who to trust for help

Technology — setup and complexity

Family coordination and peace of mind

Not sure where to even start

Question 6

How important is it that the home is modified to support aging in place in the next 1–3 years?

Not a priorityExtremely important

Question 7

Which rooms or areas feel most in need of attention?

Select all that apply

Primary bathroom

Entryway / front steps

Staircase

Kitchen

Bedroom

Garage / exterior access

Lighting throughout

Hallways / doorways

Question 8

Has any modification or renovation already been made to the home for safety or accessibility?

Yes — we've done some work already

No — but we're actively thinking about it

No — haven't really thought about it yet

Not sure what's needed

Section 2 of 4

Section 3 of 4 · Services & Technology

Question 9

If help were available, which of these would matter most to your situation?

Select up to 3 — choose what genuinely resonates, not what sounds right

Someone walking through the home and honestly identifying what needs attention

Making physical changes to the home — bathrooms, entryways, accessibility

Technology that quietly monitors safety without feeling like surveillance

Ongoing support so things don't fall through the cracks over time

Help simplifying and organizing the home

A way for family members to stay informed without being intrusive

Knowing there's someone to call when something comes up

Question 10

How comfortable is the household with smart home technology?

Very comfortable — already use smart devices

Somewhat comfortable — willing to try with guidance

Uncomfortable — prefer simple, traditional solutions

Mixed — one person is comfortable, the other isn't

Not sure

Question 11

What would make a monitoring or smart home system feel acceptable?

Select all that apply

Privacy — no cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms

Simplicity — works without reading a manual or calling tech support

Family access — loved ones can check in without it feeling like monitoring

Control — I decide exactly what information is shared and with whom

A real person helps set it up and is available when something breaks

Honestly — nothing would make it acceptable. I'm not interested.

Question 12

Assisted living in New York averages $5,000–$7,000 per month. A nursing home runs $12,000–$15,000 per month. Knowing that — how do you think about spending money to stay safely at home instead?

We're not asking about a specific service — just your honest perspective on the value of staying home

Staying home is worth significant investment — even $1,000–$2,000/month is a fraction of the alternative

Worth moderate spending — a few hundred dollars a month feels reasonable for the right support

Worth investing in upfront projects (renovations, modifications) but not ongoing costs

Haven't really thought about it in those terms before

Cost is a major barrier regardless — finances are a real concern

The decision won't be primarily about cost — it'll be about what's safest

Section 3 of 4

Section 4 of 4 · Trust & Decision Making

Question 13

Who is most involved in decisions about the home's future?

I make decisions independently

My spouse / partner and I decide together

My adult children are very involved

It's a family conversation — multiple people weigh in

I rely on a trusted advisor (doctor, attorney, financial planner)

Question 14

What would make you trust a local company helping families with aging in place?

Select all that apply

Strong local reputation and reviews

Recommended by a doctor, attorney, or financial planner

Recommended by a friend or family member

Proper licensing, insurance, and credentials

Transparent, written estimates and no surprise costs

Came to our home and listened before suggesting anything

Treated us with dignity — didn't talk down to us

Understood both the parent's and adult child's perspective

Question 15

How urgent does this feel right now?

Not urgent at allNeed help now

Question 16

Is there anything else you'd want someone building a service like this to understand — about your situation, your concerns, or what would actually make a difference?

Optional — your own words are incredibly valuable to us

Question 17 · Optional

Would you be open to a brief follow-up conversation about your experience?

Completely optional. If yes, someone may reach out simply to learn more — no sales call, no obligation.

Yes — I'd be open to a short conversation

No thanks — happy to just leave my feedback anonymously

✓

Thank you.

Your honest answers matter more than you know. Understanding what real families are experiencing — not what companies assume they need — is the only way to build something genuinely useful.

What happens with your response

Your answers are reviewed alongside others in the community to identify patterns, gaps, and what people actually need. Nothing is sold. No one sees your individual response.

Know someone who should weigh in?

The more perspectives we hear — especially from people in different situations — the more useful this research becomes.

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Home Ready Co. · Capital Region NY

What doesstaying homereally mean to you?

Thank you.

What does
staying home
really mean to you?